WIGAN’S players have volunteered to refund the fans who travelled to Tottenham by way of an apology for their humiliation.

The second-worst defeat in Premier League history prompted what is believed to be an unprecedented act of penitence from players who arrived at the club’s training ground yesterday in sombre mood.

About 500 fans bought tickets ranging from £14.70 to £27.40 and all have been told to apply by December 4 for a full refund, which will cost the players more than £10,000.

The bill will be split equally between those who played on Sunday and deducted from their wages. The players returned home at 11pm on Sunday but were told to report to training as usual yesterday.

During the session, it was agreed there was a responsibility to make the gesture and skipper Mario Melchiot stunned club officials with the request moments after training ended.

Dutchman Melchiot said: “We feel we badly let down our supporters, and this is a gesture we have to make and pay them back for their tremendous loyalty. It’s important we do not take them for granted. We were embarrassed by the way we performed.

“Now we have to draw a line under the game and bounce back against Sunderland on Saturday.”

That match sees the return of former manager Steve Bruce, at whom Wigan chairman Dave Whelan could not resist a dig while backing boss Roberto Martinez.

“Steve actually had a few dodgy signings just before he left Wigan and Roberto has inherited them, so I can’t blame him one iota,” said Whelan.

“I have complete faith in Roberto and I know the supporters have.”

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